The helicopter on the Hemkund Sahib route saves the long walk from Govindghat to Ghangaria, but not the final climb to the gurdwara. Here is what it costs, what it covers and how it fits into a wider trip.
How the helicopter fits into the Hemkund Sahib route
Gurdwara Sri Hemkund Sahib stands beside a glacial lake ringed by seven peaks, high above the Bhyundar valley in Chamoli district, at an altitude above 4,000 m. It is among the most revered Sikh shrines, and it shares its approach with the Valley of Flowers National Park. The journey has three stages: a road to Govindghat near Joshimath, a trail up to the base village of Ghangaria, and a steep final climb of about 6 km from Ghangaria to the gurdwara.
The helicopter service replaces only the middle stage, flying between Govindghat and Ghangaria in a few minutes. That alone saves a long day on foot, and for many elders it is what makes the yatra possible. The last climb, with a height gain of over a thousand metres, is still done on foot, on a pony or carried in a pithoo or dandi. Knowing this before you budget avoids a common surprise.
Helicopter sectorGovindghat – Ghangaria
Fare (estimate)About ₹4,500 one way
Still to climbAbout 6 km, Ghangaria to Hemkund
DistrictChamoli, Uttarakhand
SeasonRoughly late May to early October
NearbyValley of Flowers, Badrinath
Hemkund Sahib helicopter price and related costs
The fare is set each season by the operator and the authorities and can change. The figures below are planning estimates for 2027; we confirm the current fare when you book your trip.
Item
Estimated cost per person
Notes
Helicopter Govindghat → Ghangaria
About ₹4,500
One way, weather dependent
Helicopter Ghangaria → Govindghat
About ₹4,500
One way, weather dependent
Round trip by air
About ₹9,000
If both legs fly
Ghangaria → Hemkund climb
Pony or pithoo extra
Rates fixed locally, paid on the spot
Night in Ghangaria
Simple lodges and guest houses
Basic facilities at altitude
Estimates only. Fares, baggage limits and rules are decided by the operator and local authorities each year. Flights do not operate in poor visibility.
This outline shows how the helicopter changes the rhythm of the trip from Haridwar. It is a sample to help you think about days and costs; we build the final plan around your dates and group.
Day 1
Haridwar to Joshimath / Govindghat
About 275–295 km9–10 hoursNight: Joshimath / Govindghat
A long scenic drive past Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag and Karnaprayag along the Alaknanda. The road climbs steadily through Chamoli to Joshimath. Settle in early, because the helicopter flies in the morning and reporting is prompt.
Day 2
Fly to Ghangaria
FlightMorningNight: Ghangaria
Report at the Govindghat helipad and fly up the Bhyundar valley to Ghangaria. Instead of a tiring day on the trail, you arrive fresh with time to rest and acclimatise. In the afternoon, take a gentle walk around the village or, in July and August, visit the nearby Valley of Flowers.
Image space images/valley-of-flowers.jpg 1200 × 675 px
Day 3
Hemkund Sahib darshan
About 6 km each wayFull dayNight: Ghangaria
Set out early for the climb, on foot or by pony. The path rises steeply in switchbacks above the treeline to the lake and the star-shaped gurdwara. Pay respects, take part in the ardas and accept karah prasad, then descend before the afternoon weather turns.
Image space images/hemkund-sahib.jpg 1200 × 675 px
Day 4
Fly down, drive to Badrinath or Joshimath
Flight + roadHalf dayNight: Badrinath / Joshimath
Take the morning flight back to Govindghat. Many pilgrims continue to Badrinath, about an hour or so up the road, for darshan of Badri Narayan and a visit to Mana village. Others return to Joshimath to rest.
Day 5
Return towards Haridwar
About 275–295 kmLong day, or break at RudraprayagNight: Haridwar or Rudraprayag
Drive back down the Alaknanda valley. Elders may prefer to break the journey at Rudraprayag or Srinagar and reach Haridwar the next morning. The evening Ganga aarti at Har Ki Pauri makes a fine end to the yatra.
Things to know before you rely on the helicopter
Weather rules everything. The Bhyundar valley clouds over quickly; morning flights are most reliable. Keep a spare day.
Flights can be suspended in heavy cloud or rain, especially in July and August. Be ready to walk or hire a pony.
Baggage is limited. Carry a small bag with warm clothes, rain gear and medicines; leave the rest at Govindghat or Joshimath.
Altitude is serious. Hemkund is higher than any of the Char Dham temples. Climb slowly and turn back if you feel unwell.
Gurdwara timings matter. Pilgrims are expected to leave Hemkund by early afternoon and return to Ghangaria; overnight stay at the lake is not available.
The helicopter does not fly to the gurdwara itself. Budget for a pony or pithoo for the last climb if walking is hard for anyone in your group.
Combining Hemkund Sahib with Badrinath and Char Dham
Govindghat is on the road to Badrinath, so the two pilgrimages fit together naturally. A Badrinath yatra tour package can be extended by two or three days for Hemkund Sahib. For the full circuit, our Char Dham + Hemkund itinerary covers all four dhams and the gurdwara in 11 nights. If you prefer flying for the dhams as well, look at the Char Dham helicopter from Dehradun or the Badrinath helicopter booking.
Image space images/hemkund-sahib.jpg 800 × 600 pxHemkund SahibImage space images/valley-of-flowers.jpg 800 × 600 pxValley of FlowersImage space images/badrinath.jpg 800 × 600 pxBadrinath
Planning your Hemkund Sahib trip with us
Share your dates and group size on WhatsApp +91-99111 77951.
Get a day-wise plan with road, hotels and the helicopter option.
Register for the Uttarakhand yatra; the free registration is also needed for Hemkund Sahib. See the registration guide.
Confirm with an advance; we keep you updated on the helicopter's current booking process and fare.
Travel with a spare day built in for weather.
Hemkund Sahib helicopter: FAQ
What is the Hemkund Sahib helicopter price?
About ₹4,500 per person one way between Govindghat and Ghangaria (2027 estimate). Fares are set each season and depend on weather and operations.
Does the helicopter go to Hemkund Sahib gurdwara?
No. It flies only between Govindghat and Ghangaria. The final climb of about 6 km from Ghangaria to the gurdwara is on foot, pony, pithoo or dandi.
Is the helicopter available every day?
Only when weather allows. Cloud and rain, especially in the monsoon, can stop flights for hours or days. Always keep a spare day.
When is Hemkund Sahib open?
Usually from around late May to early October. Exact opening and closing dates are announced each year.
Is the helicopter included in your Char Dham + Hemkund package?
Can senior citizens do Hemkund Sahib with the helicopter?
The helicopter removes the longest walk, but the final climb is steep and above 4,000 m. Elders should use a pony or pithoo, climb slowly and take medical advice first.
Can I visit the Valley of Flowers on the same trip?
